Continuous absorption refrigeration system



Sept. 29, 1953 J. BUCH EL CONTINUOUS ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM v6 Shee cs-Sheet 1 Filed July 26. 1949 llllIIIIIIIILLIIIIIJIIIIH I I I W 33 In 111 luull TIIII II J. BUCHEL CONTINUOUS ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM Filed July 26. 1949 Sept. 29, 1953 6 Sheets-Shut 2 a W Z a Q 0 lll'l'l 6 z] Z 01 m wi w ww a imfi E; v I III lllllllllllllm. I J -$mw- 7 l. E a a U2 8 a 3 Z 3. I W 0 42M? 0 r I I i J. BUCHEL CONTINUOUS ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM Filed July 26, 1949 Sept. 29, 1953 '6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Sept. 29, 1953 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE CONTINUOUS ABSORPTION REFRIGERA- TION SYSTEM ton, Ill.

Application July 26, 1949, Serial No. 106,818

13 Claims.

The present invention relates to a refrigerating system of the absorption type and designed to be continuously operative.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel device of the character referred to and in which is provided absorbing means for the absorption by a weakened liquor of the evaporated fluid, after effecting heat exchange, with means for transferring the resultant strong liquor to the generator of the system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel transfer means to automatically cause a transfer of the resultant strong liquor from the absorber to the generator-oi the system.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means including control means for automatically causing a transfer of liquor to the genorator of the system.

Other objects, advantages, capabilities, features, or the like are comprehended by the invention as will later appear, and as are inherently possessed by the invention.

Referring briefly to the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic or schematic view of the system embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view in a vertical plane of the generating means of the novel system;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the same, on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and taken in a transverse plane thereto;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken in a plane represented by line 5-5 in Fig. 4 of the drawings;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view through the transfer control means l9-55i shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. '7 is a transverse sectional view taken in a plane represented by line 7-1 in Fig. 6 of the drawings;

Fig. 8 is a similar view taken in a plane represented by lines 83 in Fig. 6 of the drawings;

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional View of the flip valve means 66 shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken in a plane represented by line IB-lfi in Fig. 9 of the drawings;

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken in a. plane represented by line Il--H in Fig. 9 of the drawings;

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of any of the flow control devices, 35 or 58 or 82 shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken in a plane represented by line l3l3 in Fig. 12 of the drawings;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of a part of the absorber 39 shown in Fig. 1; and,

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary transverse sectional View taken in a. plane represented by line 15-55 in Fig. 14 of the drawings.

Referring more in detail to the drawings, the

embodiment chosen to illustrate the invention as shown as comprising a generator 2!] for containing a fluid, such as a liquid or liquor, which, for example, may be and preferably is a strong ammoniacal liquor, the generator 25 being located over a suitable heating means, such as a gas burner 2i, for heating the liquor in the generator and for causing the liberation of ammonia gas. Suitable thermostatic control means (not shown) may be connected to the burner for regulating the action of the burner.

At the top of the generator is provided a drum or dome 22 connected to and in communication with a duct 23 running to a rectifier which may have one or more sections or segments shown generally at 2:3 and 25. The invention comprehends any number of such sections as desired and found convenient. These sections comprise duct portions 26 and 21 forming continuations of the duct portion 23 connected to the dome 22, and these duct portions 26 and 21 are arranged in inclined position or positions to drain back liquid formed therein to the generator 29 by way of the duct 23 and dome 22.

The duct portions 26 and 21 constitute cores of the segments 24 and 25 and have formed thereon or fixed thereto a series or more of heat radiating fins 28 and 29. The upper end of the rectifier, such as the upper end of the duct portion 2?, is connected to and communicates with the upper end of a condenser 01' condenser unit or assembly having one or more, or any number desired of, sections or segments shown generally at 353 and 3 I, said sections or segments having body or core ducts 32 and 33 in inclined positions so that any liquid that may form in the ducts 32 and 33 may drain to the lower part of the unit 3il3i, the upper and inlet end of the duct 32 being connected to and in communication with the upper and outlet end of the body or core duct 2! of the rectifier section or segment 25. The inclined body or core ducts 32 and 33 carry heat radiating fins 341 and 24, the same as or similar to fins 23 and 29 of the rectifier.

The delivery end of the condenser 393i has the lower end of the body duct 33 connected to and in communication with a pressure reducing device or efiiux control means 35 which in turn is connected to and communicates with a heat ex-' change device shown as coils 36, and the latter,

its discharge end, is connected to and communicates with an anti-reflux or check valve 31, the latter being connected to and in communication with the inlet 38 of an absorber 39. At this point is also connected a weak liquor :control means the latter .being connected to and in communication with the inlet or entry portion 38 of the absorber unit 39. The latter may comprise one or more body duct or coil portions 58, ii provided with heat conducting fins, "4 l.

The absorber 35! leads to and communicates with a receiver s2 for receivingiand collecting the strong ammonia liquor from the absorber .379. This receiver 42 is connected byway :of .a delivery duct 33 communicating with a transfer control means 49 and having a check valve 44. .Fromthe transfer control means 49 runs a duct 45 having a check valve 45 thence to a duct 4! totheaupper part of the dome 2.2 for delivering strong liquor to the generator 20.

The transfer control means. is connected to and is in communication with an expansion tube to leading to a chamber ota-transfer unit 5!.

Extending up through the dome 22 .is a weak liquor duct 52 which has its intake end 53 in the lower chamber portion of the generator 20, and this duct 52 is connected to andcommunicates with a weak liquor cooleror cooling means as having a tubular body or core duct 55 carrying heat conducting fins 55, thecoreor core duct .55 being connected by way of duct parts .57 and .55 to a flow control device 58 connected to the inlet portion 38 of the absorber 39, and the duct 5'! also being connected to and communicating by way of a duct to with a liquor control means 62 connected to the upper part 5| of the transfer unit 5!, the flow control device {32 being similar to the device '58 in the duct 59, and also similar to the device as in the duct to the heat transfer means 36, 36.

Also connected to and communicating with the transfer control means 49 is a duct '63 for ammonia gas exhaust to the absorber 39,.

Connected to and communicating with the duct 27! is an ammonia gas duct 65 Which runs to and is in communication with a flip valve device 15.6, and from this flip valve device runs a duct 61 to the top or dome part 6| of the transfer unit -51.

Referring to the generator as, .(see Fig. 2), it is composed of a lower chamber part 68 having a somewhat depressed bottom '69 having a central low point IQ for aiding substantial draining out of liquor or liquid in the generator .20; an upper chamber part H having a shoulder 12 and a neck 53. The parts 68 and H are suitably united together at a joint 14, such as a weldseam or the like to seal the parts together. At the top, the

neck part 13 forms a lower section of the drum.

or dome 22, and on this neck part is a dome .cap 75 forming an upper part of the drum or dome 22, and these parts i3 and are united and sealed together at a joint 76, such as a weldseam or the like to seal the parts together.

In the chamber part II is provided a bellshaped chamber member 1'! having a lower skirted rim portion 18 united to and sealed in the joint 14 so as to form an annular chamber '59 between the wall of the chamber part II and the wall of the chamber part 11. The chamber member H has a shoulder portion 88 spaced from the shoulder portion 12 of the chamber part "H toform an annular chamber 8|, and also has a neck portion 82 extending into the dome 22 and providing an annular chamber .83 between th s.

4 neck part 82 and the neck and cap portions 13 and 15 of the dome 22.

The duct 52 extends down through the dome cap and into the spaces 83, BI and i9 and also extends down through the skirt part i8 by way of asuitablesealing joint 84, and extends down into .theilower portion of the chamber part 63 of the generator 20, the duct 52 thus having a lower ;inlet end portion 53 near lowest part of the bottom 69.

,Atthe other side (see Fig. 2) the duct 4?, for returning strong liquor to the generator, extends down throughthe cap 15 into the annular chamberportions '|9--Bl-83 and has an outlet or discharge end :portion 85 a short way above the skirt portion 18. The strong liquor thus flowing in by the .duct '41 will fill the annular chambers 19-8l-83 and then overflow the upper rim of the neck portion 82 and fiow down by way of the trays 86, 81, 93 and 94 into the interior of the chamber H.

Withinthe generator 20 and withinthe chambers TI and 68 is a series of trays or the like 85, Bl and -88 of which the tray as has hanger members 89 fixed at their upper ends to the shoulder wall so of the chamber member Ti, and at their lower ends to the bottom of the tray 86. The tray 8% has an upstanding marginal portion 90 suitably spaced from the shoulder 89 and over which liquor collecting in the pan or tray 86 will flow down more or less in sheet or film form to and into the tray 81. The tray 81 has a high marginal wall or flange 9| suitably sealed to the wall of the chamber 11.

In the center of the tray 81 is provided an opening through which extends upwardly the upper end portion 92 of a receptacle or tray 93 extending down in the receptacle or tray 88 located in the chamber 68 and having its upper portion-in the chamber .11. The upper portion 92 of the tray 93 extends up above the bottom of the tray 8'! for controlling the level of the liquor in the tray 81 before the liquor will flow down in the member 92-433 in more or less sheet form and also as rain or the like. Spacedly around the portion .92 is an annular wall or baffie 95 having its upper end or edge or rim 95 at a higher level than the upper end or edge 91 of the part 92 of the member 83, and the lower end or edge 98 of the handle 95 is suitably spaced above the bottom of the tray 3'! to provide an annular entry or inlet 99 from the space of the tray 81 to the annular space between the parts 92 and 95.

The member 93 is held suspended from the tray 8'! by having the upper portion 92 fixed and sealed in the opening provided in the bottom wall of the tray 81, and the tray or receptacle 93 has a lower wall or floor ID! to which is fixed at its upper end a supporting means I 02 which in turn is fixed at its lower end to a bottom wall or floor I03 of the receptacle or tray 88. The member or tray 93 has openings 104 in its bottom wall or floor [0| for the flow of liquor into the tray or receptacle 88 so that the liquor may rise to and flow over or spill over the upper rim I65 of the tray 88, and thus flow down in the chamber 68 and accumulate therein to a level gauged by the inlet end portion I55 of a liquid level pipe or duct I01. See Fig. 4. The tray 93 also has a series of openings 94 in the wall of the tray 93 above the level of the rim Hi5 and below the bottom of the tray 81 to afford an exit for the ammonia gas rising from the liquid in the chamber 68 and TI and to pass to the dome 22.

The liquor level pipe or duct part H36 (see Fig.

4) is at a given height in the chamber 11 and below the top I05 of the tray or receptacle B8, and the pipe or duct I07 extends through the wall of the chamber member TI, with a suitable sealing connection or joint IIIBA, and extends upwardly through the chambers 'I98I-03 and through the dome capv I5 to the exterior, the outer end portion I08 of this duct being provided with any suitable control means, such as a valve (not shown) or the like for controlling the flow of liquor or gas or the like therethrough. See Fig. 4. I

There is also provided a liquor drain pipe or duct I09 having an intake portion I I at the low portion I0 of the lower chamber 68, and the duct I09 extends upwardly through the skirt rim portion I0 of the chamber 11, with a suitable sealing joint or connection I I I, and thence upwardly through the chambers IQ-45 I-B3 to and through the dome cap I to an outside extension H2, which also may have a control means, such as a valve or the like (not shown).

Referring now to the flip valve device I56 (see Fig. 9), it comprises a shell or chamber H3 having a lower open end closed by a cap plate H5 clamped against sealing means or gasket H5 by means of screws H6 passing through the marginal portion of the plate H4 and threaded into a flanged portion H1. The plate H4 has a tubular stub I I8 having a valve seat at its upper end for the seating thereon of a valve H9, later described. The plate I I4 has a duct socket I which is connected to and communicates with the duct 61. At a side of the shell I I3 is provided the discharge part of the duct 65. (See Fig, 1.)

At the top the shell H3 has a pacln'ng or like gland I22 containing suitable packing or sealing material I23 held in packed and sealing condition by a packing gland or nut I26. Rotatably mounted in the nut I24 is a valve adjusting stem I25 having a not head I23 at its outer end, and at its inner end is a head I21 rotatable in a socketed portion I28 of the head portion I29 of the shell H3. Threadedly engaged and fixed in the head IZ'I is the upper end portion of a threaded stem I30 carrying a disc I3I which has at its rim a slot I3IA (see Fig. 10) for sliding engagement with a guide pin I32 anchored in the head I29, and extending into the valve chamber I33 of the shell I I3.

To the under side of the disc I 3I is fixed a head or carrier I34, this head being fixed to the disc I3I and threadedly engaged with the stem I30 so that when the latter is turned the head I34 and the disc I3I will be vertically adjusted when the stem I25I30 is turned by way of the nut head I 20. When making such adjustment the packing nut I24 will be loosened, and then tightened after the adjustment is made.

The head or carrier I3i is preferably helically grooved to receive an end portion, as an upper end portion, of a helical or coil spring I36, this spring I35 extending downwardly spacedly around the stem I30 and having its lower end portion connected in a, helically grooved part of a valve carrier I31 so that the latter is held suspended from the lower end portion of the spring I36. The valve carrier I3I is in the nature of a cup or the like and has a lower inner lip or flange I for the resting thereon of the valve H9 at the marginal portion of the valve H9. The lip or flange I40 is so spaced from the upper end of the duct part I I3 as to provide a port or opening I4I which is of a size to permit the upward flow of the ammonia gas from the chamber I33 to the duct part H8 when the valve H9 is off its seat.

The threaded stem I30 has at its lower end a head I38 loosely fitting in the upper portion of the carrier I31 to aid in maintaining the carrier centered and in proper relation to the duct part or stub I I8, at the time of operation of the device and when making adjustments of the height or relation of the carrier I31 relative to the duct part H8. The adjustment mentioned is usually such that the valve member I It will seat on the stub part H8 when the pressure in the chamber I33 appreciably exceeds the pressure in the duct 61. But when the pressure in the chamber I33 and duct 3? are practically equal the valve H0 is lifted from its seat on the stub part H8, by means of the spring I36 and carrier I37. Above the valve member H9 and under the head I38 is a space I39, which determines the distance the valve member H9 may rise from duct part H8. The gas in the chamber I 33 freely communicates with the space I39 by reason of the locseness of the head I38 in the carrier I 3'I, but this may be insured by providing suitable apertures or passages I38A in the head I33.

The valve member H9 preferably has a curved rim I42 to prevent the valve member H9 from sticking or jamming in the carrier I31, whereby the action of the valve member H9 will be sensitive and quick.

Referring to the transfer means 49-50--5I, as shown in Fig. 6, the chamber member 5I is elongated, as shown (see Fig. l), in upright disposition, and has an upper open end portion I33 connected to the body part I43 of the head 6!. Th part I43 is sealed to the part I44 by suitable sealing means I 35. The upper end portion I46 of the means 6| has a packing box I4; in which is provided suitable packing I48 for sealing or packing a stem I69 which is threaded to receive a packing nut I30 also threaded to the threaded portion I5I of the stem M9. At the lower end of the stem I l-9 is fixed a head or collar I52 having a threaded socket or stem portion I53 in which is threaded the upper end portion of a rod or stem I54, preferably composed of Invar or the like so that the length of this stem or rod I54 remains at constant length under different temperatures to which it may be subjected when fluids or the like of difierent temperatures pass in or through the chamber 5i and the expansion tube 50.

The member 6 I, at a side, has a duct means I58 for the conveying of weak liquor, to the chamber IEI, passing up by way of the pipe or duct 60 and passing through the efiiux control means 62, the latter to be described in connection with like devices and 35, this control means 62 in turn being connected to and in communication with the duct or pipe through which weak liquor flows to the means GI from the weak liquor duct 51. At the other side of the member 6! is connected a fitting for establishing communication to the chamber E57 from the ammonia gas duct or pipe 67 from the flip valve 66.

In the lower part of the chamber 5! is provided an upstanding short tube part or dam I59 having a series of orifices I59A for retarding some liquid in the well I50 around the dam I59. The lower end portion of the chamber BI is connected by way of a suitable sealing means IBI to the upper end of the expansion tube 50. tube 50 is preferably relatively long so that the hot fluid passing down in the tube 50 will heat it and cause it to expand so that the transfer control means 49- connected to the tube 50 will be The expansion o ered. and e, valv ans con ect d; t the lower end of the non-expanding Invarrod will becausedto operateand permit the ammonia gastoexhaust by way of the duct 63 to the absorber 93.

The transfer control means d9 comprises a. cover or top member I92 suitably sealingly con;. nected to the lower end of the expansiontube 50;, andis also sealingly secured to a lower member or bottom IE9, as by way of suitable connecting members or elements, such as screws I64 or the like, whereby a valve chamber I65 is provided between the members It? and IE3, as shown in Fig. 6

The lower end of the rod IEQ is suitably connected or fixed to a strap member or element I56 pivotally connected to a lever arm or the like IE7 pivotally connected at an end thereof to a pivot; postor saddle I68 fixed, as by a threaded stem- IE9, in the top member I92 of the transfer control means The other or free end portion of the lever arm IE7 has a toe or like part I79 extend: ing into a slotted portion I7! of an exhaust valve guide means I72, the latterbeing connected, as by screw threads, to a foot part I73 of the slotted member WI. The upper end portion I75 of the member I7! is in the nature of a guide stemwhich is slidable in a guide socket 575 as against. a spring I76 normally tending to close the valve I79. The lower end part of the valve guide member I72 has an annular lip I77 upon which may be carried a valve member or disc I73. A spring I79 located in the foot portion I73 of the valve control member I7I acts on the valve disc I73. lhe valve disc I73 preferably has a rounded or curved edge or rim portion I39 to prevent the valve disc I73 from sticking or jamming in the valve guide member I72 whereby the action of the valve member I78 will be sensitive and quick.

The valve disc member I78 is capable of seating, under the stress of the spring I79, upon the upper end of a tubular part IEI set in the upper end of the duct 63. The valve guide means I72 is located in a well I82 (see Fig. 3) and has vertical ribs I83 so as to provide among them vertical channels IS-I communicating with the chamber I65 in the control means A9 and the well I32 beneath the valve disc I78, so that when the lever toe I79 lifts the valve guide means I7'II72 and hence the valve disc I78 fluid or gas may exhaust u In the bottom member I83 of the control means 49 is also provided a suction chamber I85 in which is freely movable a suction valve disc I86- having peripheral notches or channels I87, which disc I85 may seat on and close the upper ported end of a tubular part IE9 at the upper end of the duct 53. Spacedly above the valve disc I36 and in the upper part of the well I85 is secured in place, as by threads, a valve check device I 89 which has a hole in which is a tube I99 for affording communication between the chamber I65 and the well I85, the tube I98 projecting down from the member I99 to act as a stop for the valve disc Itt in its upward movements. The member I39 also has radial notches I9I (see Fig. '7) to maintain said communication between the chamber I65 and the well I85 when the valve disc I86 contacts the lower end of the stop tube I 99.

After the ammonia gas has been exhausted by way of the duct 63 to the absorber 39 at which time the valve disc I36 is in closed condition then entry of weak liquor by way of the control means 52 and duct I53 will cause an absorption of time monia gas; and hence a suction in the chamber 5I andtube 59 and chambers I65 and I85, where by liquor from the receiver 42 is drawn in the chamber; I65 by way of the duct 43-43 and up, into, the tube 59 and chamber 5|. This cools the tube 59 and makes it contract, hence, causing a closing of the valve I78, in the duct 63 to the absorber 39. Then when the liquid in the chambers 5| and 50 is; forced down, the valve I86 closes and the liquid passes out by way of the duct 4547, to the dome 22 of the generator and into the generator 20.

Referring now to the absorber 39, see Figs. 14 and 15, which may have any number of ducts or so called coillegs 4 9, 40, it is preferable to provide ineach duct 40, a series of absorber stops I92 in spacedrelation in the ducts 40, 49. Each of these stops comprises a tubular part I94 having curved or curled end portions I93, I93 forming a sort of; ring or toric like members coaxial with the axis of the duct 40, and the peripheries of which fit closely within the inner wall of the duct (It. Each part- I93 has an annular spring like lip part I95 so that the peripheral portions of the rings I93: will be constantly pressing against the inner S111: face of the duct 39-. Within the tubular part I94 may be provided a plug I96. In the lower part ofthe rings I93, I93 are provided notches I97, I97 so that liquid moving in the absorber 39 and flowing or passing along the inner lower wall part of the duct or ducts 40-, 40 will freely pass to the outlet part or portion of the lower duct 49 of the absorber 39 and to the strong ammonia liquor receiver or chamber 42. The ammonia gases cannot freely pass through the chamber but must bubble through the liquid and notches I97, thereby becoming more completely absorbed by the liquid.

This latter is made possible by providing dams or the like 2I9 at suitable points along the duct 49 and between the stops I92 to maintain a level of liquid in the duct lIi above the tops of the openings I97 in the stops I92 so that the ammo.- nia gas or gases will be eventually all absorbed in the ammonia by the time the liquor in the absorber is ready to pass to the receiver 42.

Referring to Fig. 1 there are connected respectively in the ducts 33, 59 and E9 efflux controls 35, 58 and 92, which are all alike in construction, and which is shown more in detail and by way of example in Figs. 12 and 13. Each of these devices comprises a chamber member or housing I98 having an inlet tube or neck I99 at an end thereof and arcap 299 at the other end thereof having an outlet tube or neck 2%, and secured to such other end of member I98 by means of suit: able connecting elements, such as screws or the like 292, passing through a flanged part 203 of the cap 269 and threaded to a flanged part 294. The said other end of the member I98 has a sort of knife edge sealing ring or like part 295 having sealing engagement with the flanged part 203 of the cap 299. The cap 209 has an internally extending chamber portion or tube housing 296 fit: ting in the outer end portion of the chamber member I98. The inner open end part of the housing 206 is closed by a force fitted plug 207, and this plug has a small bore or orifice through which extends a part of a small tube 208 of capile lary type or the like, this tube having a coiled or helical portion 209 located in the chamber 206 and having its outlet end portion 2 I 9 near to and in line with the outlet passage of the outlet tube or neck 20 I eother end f the tube 2 .8 connec ed 0.

an orifice 2|! provided in a steatite plug or the like 2|2 fitting in the chamber I98 and seated against the plug 281, and this plug 2l2 has a conical chamber 2I3 which communicates with the orifice 2 I l at its apical part and which has a wide mouth opening 2E4 in which is fitted a porous plug 215 of stainless steel wire gauze or the like. Behind this plug 2E5 extends another porous plug or the like 2W, which may be of cotton or the like, and which is elongated to extend to an entry chamber 2H5 in communication with the entry tube or neck I39. At the outer end of the plug or member 2 l I may be a porous member, as a disc of stainless steel wire gauze 213.

Referring again to Fig. l in connection with Fig. 1-2 it will be seen that the inlet neck part I99 (of the control means 62) would be connected to the duct 69, and the outlet neck part 26! would be connected to the duct 158 for conveying weak liquor into the chamber :51 of the dome part 6! and toward the duct 61 for absorbing ammonia gas in transfer chamber and that the inlet part I99 (of the control means 53) would be connected to the duct 59, and the outlet neck part would be connected to tube part 38 for conveying weak liquor into the duct 40 of the ab sorber 39; and that the inlet part 199 (of the control means 35) would be connected to the duct 33 of the condensers 30, 3| and the outlet neck part 2% would be connected to the inlet duct part of the evaporator 36. In operation, the presently disclosed embodiment of the invention is designed and intended to operate continuously and automatically, and is preferably air-cooled, and also of the absorptive type. It does not have any inert gas, and it is not necessary to maintain a uniform pressure in the various parts, but functions by virtue of a pressure differential. For the purpose of illustration it may be compared to or said to be comparable to an electrically operated compression system whereby in the herein disclosed system the generator and condenser pressure corresponds to the high or compression side of the electrical machine; and the pressure in the evaporator and absorber corresponds to the low or suction side of the electric unit. It is necessary in both the present and the electric systems to transfer fluids from the low to the high sides of the unit, and this is effected by means of a compressor in the electrical system, and by means of a transfer unit assembly in the present invention.

The refrigerant preferably is ammonia and the absorbent is water. The generator 2!) is charged with about a to 32% solution of ammonia and water, when heat is applied to the generator 20, as by way of the heating means 2 I, ammonia gas is liberated from the charge of liquor in the chamber of the generator 20, and the thus liberated ammonia gas passes upwardly by way of the openings 94 of the chamber 93 to and under the shouldered portion 85 of the bell shaped chamber 'i'i and through the neck portion 82 to and through the cap portion of the dome 22 and thence by way of the duct 23 to the rectifier unit 2 l25 of the device. The pressure of the ammonia gas in the generator 2% will depend a great deal on the temperature of the air surrounding the condenser 3il3 l and by way of example, in usual operation, the pressure in the generator may vary from about 150# to about 240#.

The rectifier has inclined duct portions 23-41 for the draining back of any liquid part, such as water, that was carried up in the nature of water vapor or the like by the rising gas, such as ammonia, to be condensed and drained back and to collect, as a solution strong in ammonia, in a tray 86 under the shouldered portion 88 of the bell shaped chamber H, the forming of the liquid to be thus drained back being effected by cooling or heat exchange through the walls of the ducts 28 and 2'5 and the cooling fins or the like 23 and 29 carried by such ducts.

The dry or substantially dry ammonia gas then passes from the rectifier to the condenser 33-3i where the gas is liquified at the existing temperature and pressure in the sections 3t3i, such as above indicated by way of example. The passage of the gas from the rectifier 2 l25 is to the upper end of the duct 32 of the section 33.

The liquid or liquified ammonia then passes through a control device 35 having a capillary tube or the like (see Figs. 12 and 13) to controllably allow flow of the liquid ammonia to the segments or coils 35, 35 of a heat exchange means, wherein the ammonia evaporates to absorb heat from the outside of the coils 33, 35, and hence, cool the medium, such as air, around such coils 38, 36, the liquid ammonia changing from liquid to gaseous state due to the lower pressure in the evaporator coils or the like 36, 36, whereby is effected an absorbing of heat and the producing of refrigeration. The pressure in the coils 36, 36 may be in the range of about 10# to 20th The gaseous ammonia then passes out of the evaporator 36, 36 by way of a check valve 37 to an absorber 39. At this point there is admitted a weak ammoniacal liquor which unites with the ammonia vapor passing from the evaporator or refrigerator 36-36 to the absorber 35 where the two fluids unite or the like to produce a strong ammoniacal-liquor to be received in a receiver 42 whence it may be drawn by way of a duct 43, 43, having a check valve 44, to a transfer control unit 39-50-5 above described.

As usual, a suitable thermostat may be associated with the heat exchanger 36-46 and connected with the heating means 21 to regulate the action of the generator 20.

Referring now to Fig. 1 and Figs. 2-5, when the contents of the generator 20 is heated to produce a gas or gaseous ammonia for the rectiher as above described, the liquor in the lower chamber portion of the generator 26 becomes what is termed a Weak liquor and also by reason of a pressure being generated in such chamber the weak ammoniacal liquor W111 now by way of the duct inlet portion 53 of the duct 52 which extends out of the dome or drum 22 and to the cooling means 54, and the cooled weak liquor flows by way of duct portions 5i and 5% to a control device 53 into the inlet portion es of the absorber 39 to unite or mix with the ammonia fluid or gas moving from the evaporator so-st by way of the check valve 31 to the absorber As the cooled weak liquor also nows from the duct 51 by way of the duct 55 to the control means 62, and to the chamber E51 of the transfer unit 5|, such liquor will absorb the ammoniagas then present in the chamber 5% which reduces the pressure in the chamber 56 below that of the absorber, sothat the rich liquor in the receiver 42 flows by way of the duct t3, t3 and check valve 44, to chambers I and 55 to tube 50 to rise in the chamber 5! to fill it. The head of the liquid in the chamber 5!, up to this time, has been less than that in the absorber 33. Then the flow of the cooled weak liquid, which is at generator pressure, flows in by Way of the control =32 and soon builds up the pressure in the chamber to about the pressure in the generator. Then, at this time the flip valve operates to pass ammonia gas, under generator pressure, to the top of the chamber 5|. Thus the liquid in the chamber 5i flows down, 'by gravity, by way of the tube 50, chamber I65, thence by way of duct 45, check valve '46 and duct 4! to the dome 22 of the generator. At the same time the valve I86 closes.

In the lower part of the chamber BI is provided a well I60 in which some of the liquid of the chamber SI maybe retarded to flow slowly through the openings [59A of the dam I59 and slowly down the sides of the expansion tube 513, in sheet or film form, so as to quickly absorb ammonia vapors, the absorption of which develops sufiicient heat to c'ausesufii'cient elongation of the expansion tube 50 to actuate the transfer control means 49.

As the tube 50 expands and the device 49 lowers, 'the'lever 'end 110 of the'lever I6] operates the valve means I'll, I12, I13 and I14 for the valve I18 to open and "to allow escape 'of ammonia gas byway of chamber I65, channels I84, Well I82, tubular part 'I8l to the duct 63 to the entry 38 end of the absorber.

When the ammonia gas has thus exhausted the contents of the transfer unit 5I-5I3, then the pressurethereih' drops, ahdhence "the'pressure of the ammonia 'ga's'ih the chamber I33 of the flip valve '66, that pressure being the same as in the generator 20, immediately 'closes the flip valve [I9 and shuts 'o'if'the 'duct 61.

At this point of 'operationthe new of 'edoled weak liquor by way of the 'ceritrol. means '62 into the chamber l5! absorbs some of the ammonia in the chamber 5| -and thus 'causes'a reduction of pressure, so "that liquor-is drawn up in the tube '50 and chamberel 'from the receiver '42, and cool'sthe tube 50. Th'e'tuibefiil contracts and the valve IIB closes.

When the pressure in the chambers 50 and 5| is sufficiently 'loweredbelow that in the absorber 39, then strong liquor "from the receiver 42 will flow into the transfer unit 5|, and when the latter is filled the cycle of operationyisre peated.

While I have herein described and upon the drawing shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to beunderstood that. the invention is not limited thereto but comprehends other constructions, details, arrangements of parts, features, and the like without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus disclosed the invention, Lela-1m:

1. In aheat exchange --unit of the character described generating means for producing a vapor; means for condensingsaid vapor; a heat exchange unit to evaporatesaid condensed vapor and absorb heat to effect cooling ex-teriorly thereof; an absorber connected to said heat-exchanger unit; a transfer chamber for receiving a liquor from said absorber and vapor from said generating means; control. means selec: tively operable to deliver said liquor to saidgenerating means and vapor to said absorber; and expansible'means associated with said transfer chamber and controlmeans operative upon the generation of heat by the absorption of a portion of said vapor by said liquor in said transfer chamber to actuate said eoritrol means and permit vapor in said transfer 'chambertopass to said absorber. V v

2. In a heat exchange unit of the"'chara cter described generating means for producing a vapor; means for condensing said vapor; a heat exchange unit to evaporate said condensed vapor and absorb heat to effect cooling 'exteriorly thereof; an absorber connectedto said heat exchanger unit; a transfer chamber for receiving a liquor from said absorber and a vapor from said generating means; control means selectively operable to deliver said liquor to said generating 'means and vapor to said absorber; an 'expandible 'tub'e associated with said transfer chamber and control means operative upon the generation of heat by the absorption of a portion of said vapor by said liquor in said transfer chamber to actuate said control means and permit vapor in said transfer chamber topass to said absorber; and means in said chamber to effect a'rapid absorption of a portion of said vapor by said liquor in said transfer chamber and generate heat to expand said expan'dible tube.

3. In a heat exchange unit of the character described generating means for producing 'a vapor; means for condensing said vaporfa heat exchange unit to evaporate said condensed vapor and absorb heat to effect cooling exteriorly'thereof; an absorber connectedto said heat exchange unit; a transfer chamber for receiving a liquor from said absorber and vapor from said'generating means; means directing a weak liquor from said generating means to said transfer chamber to absorb a portion of said vapor therein and effect a lowering of pressure in said transfer chamber; expansible means connected to said chamber responsive to heat generated by the absorption of vapor in said chamber; control means alternately selectively operable upon "the reduction of pressure in said chamber to -admit liquor to said chamber from said absorber and upon the expansionof said expansible means to admit vapor to said absorber; and means insaid chamber to effect a rapid absorption cfa-porti-on of said vapor by said liquor in saidtransfer chamher and generate heat to expand said expansible means.

i. The device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said expansible means comprises an elongate metallic tube responsive to variations in temperature to control the flow of vapor-from said chamber to said absorber.

5. The device as set forth in'cl'aim 3 wherein said last named means comprises dam-means disposed between said tube and chamber to regulate the flow of liquor and 'efiect a more rapid absorption and generation of heat to'expand s'aid'tube.

6. The device as set forth inclair'n 5 wherein said last named'means comprises a pipe disposed between said tube and chamber'extending into said chamber to maintain'a liquor level in said chamber whereby liquor is allowed'to overflowto said tube in a dispersed manner'to efiect rapid absorption and generation of heat toexpa'n'd' said tube.

'7. lhe device as set forthih claim '6 wherein said pipe is provided'with a plurality 'of openings toregulate and disperse the how efliquor tos'aid tube.

8. In a heat exchange unitof thecl'iaracter described generating means for producing a vapor; means for condensing said vapor} a heat exchangeunit to evaporate said condensed-vapor and absorb heat to effect cooling exteriorly there? of an absorber connected to said heat exchange unit; a transfer chamber for receiving a liquor from said absorber anda vapor from sai d generating means; means directing aweak liquor from said generating means to said transfer chamber to absorb a portion of said vapor therein and effect a lowering of pressure in said chamber; expansible means connected to said chamber responsive to heat generated by the absorption of vapor in said chamber; control means associated with said absorber, generating means, and chamher; and valve means in said control means responsive to a lowering of pressure in said chamber to admit liquor to said chamber from said absorber and responsive to the expansion of said expansible means to admit vapor from said chamber to said absorber.

9. The device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said valve means comprises a pair of valves one of which is associated with and responsive to expansion of said expansible means to admit vapor from said chamber to said absorber.

10. The device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said expansible means comprises a thermally expandible duct from said transfer chamber to said transfer control means and a thermally nonexpanding element connected to said transfer chamber and said one valve for controlling the flow of vapor from said chamber to said absorber.

11. In a heat exchange of the character described generating means containing a liquor composed of a gaseous constituent and a liquid component normally combined when at normal temperature; means for applying heat to the liquor to liberate the gaseous constituent; means for drying the gaseous constituent; means for condensing the gaseous constituent; a heat exchange unit to evaporate said condensed gaseous constituent and absorb heat to effect cooling exteriorly thereof; an absorber connected to said heat exchange unit; a transfer chamber for receiving a liquor from said absorber and a gaseous constituent from said generating means; control means selectively operable to deliver said liquor to said generating means and gaseous constituent to said absorber; flip valve means for controlling the flow of a gaseous constituent to said transfer chamber; and expansible means associated with said transfer chamber and control means operative upon the generation of heat by the absorption of a portion of said gaseous constituent by said liquor in said transfer chamber to actuate said control means and permit the gaseous constituent in said transfer chamber to pass to said absorber.

12. The device as set forth in claim 11 wherein said flip valve means comprises a housing; means connecting said housing to said generating means;; a duct connecting said housing to said transfer chamber; a stud portion associated with said duct; a movable valve member selectively movable relative to said stud to open and close said duct; a carrier for said valve member; and a flexible member for holding said carrier and movable valve member in a given relation to said stud portion.

13. The device as set forth in claim 12 wherein there is provided means in said housing operatively associated with said valve member and carrier for adjusting the position of said valve and carrier in said housing.

JULES BUCHEL.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,414,527 Schurtz May 2,1922 1,903,437 Buchel Apr. 11, 1933 1,960,809 Dahlgren May 29, 1934 1,972,580 Zellhoefer Sept. 4, 1934 2,025,489 Zellhoefer Dec. 24, 1935 2,237,302 Flukes Apr. 8, 1941 2,237,622 Hubacker Apr. 8, 1941 2,354,705 Roth Aug. 1, 1944 

